About

$8,260

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“Complete possession of the dancer by the dance is a rare sight, but it is one that can make watching a [Thorson] performance a near-transcendent experience for the audience too.” —New York Times

Choreographic mix-master Morgan Thorson, sublime slowcore musician Alan Sparhawk (Low), six singular dance artists, and a dream team of designers create Public Love, an interdisciplinary dance production. Co-commissioned by the Walker Art Center and Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC), Public Love will open at the Walker in December 2018 and at MACC in March 2019.

The piece

Co-created with dance artists Jessica Cressey, Non Edwards, Allie Hankins, Sam Johnson, Alanna Morris-Van Tassel, and Valerie Oliveiro, Public Love is a project redefining power through physical tenderness and our need for touch—attributes of a kind of love.

Examining the intimacy and agency of the ensemble, Public Love embraces reciprocal touch as an alternative to might and control. The work examines consent, action, agency, and connection as a balm for our divisive times. With costumes by fashion designer Trevor Bowen and dynamic lighting and visual design by Elaine Buckholtz and Mary Shabatura, Public Love is a three-dimensional tactile spectacle.

The process

Through a collaborative, intimate approach to making, material is collectively created and refined, promoting individual and group authorship, interrupting decision-making from a single authority, and de-centering Thorson's position as a white, privileged maker. Through reciprocity—via touch, gifting, feedback loops—the role of leader/maker is reconfigured.

Instead of looking at power as something many people lack, we reframe it in a social/physical context. With this in mind, we are developing upbeat, inclusive community gatherings where rehearsal videos, food, demonstrations, clothing swaps and social dancing occur, questions are exchanged, and interpersonal connections are forged. Our first event will be held on Sunday, November 18th from 5-8 p.m. at Modus Locus here in Minneapolis. It's free so please stop by!

The plea

The Walker Arts Center and Maui Arts & Cultural Center are generously providing commissions and presentation fees for Public Love as well as full production support. However, this is a big project and there are some big surprises in the show! With this Kickstarter campaign, we are able to fully realize our collective vision.

Specifically, we are raising these additional funds to support set construction, equipment rental, and tour costs like housing and air travel... since as you know, Minnesota is pretty far away from Hawai'i.

Our goal is to raise $8,000—your donation of any amount is greatly appreciated. Your contributions will go towards supporting the amazing artists involved in this project.

Risks and challenges

By creating this Kickstarter campaign, we run the risk of not meeting the funding goal, and losing the money that donors have pledged. However, we feel that our community will respond to this genuine request. This is a big project, and we truly appreciate your support.